Pump and Glucose Monitoring Improve Diabetes Management

Sensor-augmented insulin pumps (intensive insulin therapy combined with real time continuous glucose-blood sugar monitoring) are superior to multiple daily insulin injections and self-monitoring of blood glucose (fingersticks) to lower hemoglobin A1c (the preferred method of assessing blood sugar control in the blood) in patients with type 1 diabetes, a new review from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program has found. The review found an improved quality of life of patients who are using insulin intensive therapies and real time self-monitoring of glucose (sensors attached to the body that continuously measure blood sugar). Generally, additional research should focus on standardizing treatment goals and evaluating the effectiveness of insulin delivery methods and glucose monitoring technologies in different patient populations. These findings and future research needs are summarized in Methods of Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring: A Comparative Effectiveness Review.